Maria-Zoe Petropoulou

Description

In this study of the ritual of animal sacrifice in ancient Greek religion, Judaism, and Christianity in the period between 100 BC and AD 200, Maria-Zoe Petropoulou explores the attitudes of early Christians towards the realities of sacrifice in the Greek East and in the Jerusalem Temple (up to AD 70). Contrary to other studies in this area, she demonstrates that the process by which Christianity finally separated its own cultic code from the strong tradition of animal sacrifice was a slow and difficult one. Petropoulou places special emphasis on the fact that Christians gave completely new meanings to the term `sacrifice'. She also explores the question why, if animal sacrifice was of prime importance in the eastern Mediterranean at this time, Christians should ultimately have rejected it.

Maria-Zoe Petropoulou

Table of Contents

1. Approaching the Issue of Sacrifice2. Greek Animal Sacrifice in the Period 100 BC to AD 2003. From Greek Religion to Judaism: A Bridge4. Jewish Animal Sacrifice in the Period 100 BC to AD 2005. A Bridge Linking Greek Religion and Judaism to Christianity6. Christians and Animal Sacrifice in the Period up to AD 200Conclusions